The first topic that I took on in Q1 this year was negotiation. I read several helpful books that I’ve included in my best books to read while traveling January, February, and March lists that are worth checking out.
For Q2, I’m taking on personal finance. This is a topic that I’ve read about before, however, I’m going deep this time around. I initially purchased 5 personal finance books but as I’m getting into them, I realize that I need more books to fully grasp this topic.
All in all, May was a productive reading month. I finished 3 books that were all incredible. It was such a good month that I’m considering re-reading 2 of the 3 books because the books were that impactful.
Best Credit Cards to Use to Purchase Books
When I purchased these best books to read while traveling, I focused on using credit cards that earn transferable points. The transferable point programs that offer these credit cards are American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, or Marriott.
For personal credit cards, you can’t go wrong with the Chase Freedom Unlimited. Cardmembers earn 3X points per transaction in your first cardmember year with the Unlimited. You can then convert the cashback that you earned into Chase points when you pair the Freedom Unlimited with the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred.
For business credit cards, the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is hard to beat. This card earns 2X points on every transaction. Another option is to pair the Freedom Unlimited with the Chase Ink Business Preferred. By having both cards, you can convert your Freedom Unlimited cash back into Chase points if you have the Ink Business Preferred.
Top 3 Best Books to Read While Traveling
The Little Book Of Common Sense Investing
The first book that I read on personal finance this month was The Little Book of Common Sense Investing. It’s written by Jack Bogle, founder of Vanguard and the first index fund.
In the book, Bogle recommends that you buy and hold low-cost index funds. According to Bogle, this strategy will build your wealth over the long run. His strategy is backed up in the book by legendary investors including Warren Buffett, Yale’s David Swensen, and many others.
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing was incredible. I don’t have any reason why you shouldn’t buy it. For those looking to educate themselves on how to invest, this book is for you.
Recommend: Yes
Unshakeable
Let me start my review of Unshakeable by stating that I was skeptical of this book. Tony Robbins has clearly shown that he can help people, however, the delivery of his material is not something that appeals to me.
In Unshakeable, Robbins partners with Peter Mallouk, a financial advisor who has received a ton of financial industry awards. Together, Robbins and Mallouk show you how to maximize your returns by uncovering how to reduce your taxes and fees and also how to invest in low-cost index funds.
What I didn’t enjoy about Unshakeable were the last 30-40 pages. The back end of the book focused less on personal finance and more on what Robbins teaches people with his business. I would have liked for those pages to be focused on personal finance instead. Even with that said, I still recommend checking out the book as it provided valuable information on personal finance and investing.
Recommend: Yes
I Will Teach You To Be Rich, Second Edition
The first edition of the scammy-sounding book, I Will Teach You To Be Rich, was one that I read in 2015. To date, it’s one of the most impactful books that I’ve ever read. After finishing the second edition of I Will Teach You To Be Rich, I can confidently say that it’s also one of the most important books that I’ve read.
Ramit shows you how personal finance should work through the use of automation. What I like most is that the book has action items. You learn how to set up your accounts, automate your finances, and then invest in the long term. The second edition also includes information on how to save for and pay for big expenses like a car, wedding, and house.
This book will be your playbook for a financially secure future. I tried to find a downside to reading this book. It doesn’t exist. If you are anything like me and don’t know where to start with your finances, do yourself a favor and pick up this book today. I took immediate action steps after reading the first edition of this book that has helped me automate my finances and save for life events such as moving, getting engaged, and planning a wedding. For those wanting to dive deeper, check out Ramit’s interview on the Tim Ferriss podcast.
Recommend: Yes
What Books are in my Shopping Cart?
I still have quite a few books on my list related to the personal finance topic. A few topping that list right now is listed below.
Personal Finance Books to Read while Traveling
- The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
- The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- I Will Teach You to Be Rich, First Edition by Ramit Sethi
- MONEY Master the Game by Tony Robbins
- The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley and William Danko
- Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
If you’re in the market for non-finance books, below are the books in my cart for after I finish up my reading related to personal finance.
Miscellaneous Books to Read while Traveling
- Bad Blood by John Carreyrou
- 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson
- Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
- Capital Gaines by Chip Gaines
- Upstairs at the White House by J.B. West
- Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari
- Tribe by Sebastian Junger
- Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi, Tahl Raz
- The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle
Conclusion on the Best Books to Read while Traveling:
Reading is a skill that I’ve continued to work on by focusing on books that pique my interest at the time. Hopefully, my best books to read while traveling list includes books that you’ll find interesting and enjoy too.
What books did you read while traveling this month? Do you have any book recommendations? Let me know in the comments or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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